By Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor
Honourable Chimaobi Sam Atu, representing the Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, is a remarkable figure who has surmounted numerous challenges to establish his presence in politics. A devoted family man and a paragon of grace, he was elected under the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 elections, triumphing over a three-term incumbent with a staggering margin of over sixty thousand votes.
Born in April 1982 to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nnamchi Atu of Umumba, Ndiaga Ugwuaji in Enugu South Local Government Area, Enugu State, his mother was a government teacher, while his father retired as a Director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. He excelled in his studies at Community Primary School Ugwuaji and, due to his outstanding performance in basic science, advanced to Special Science School Ihe in Awgu Local Government Area for his secondary education. He later earned a degree in Industrial Chemistry from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in 2006.
After completing his National Youth Service at Amoye Grammar School, Ikere Ekiti in 2008, Hon. Atu joined United Geophysical Nigeria Limited (UGNL) in Agbor, Delta State, where he led various projects and championed environmentally friendly mining practices. His entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to resign and establish Chimfloxy Ideals in Enugu, a company that has significantly transformed the real estate sector in the South East by making affordable housing a reality.
Recognising his leadership abilities, former Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, appointed him as an Executive Assistant, and subsequently as a Technical Assistant following the 2019 re-election. As a community leader, he chaired the Community Policing Initiative in Ugwuaji, effectively tackling security concerns and earning commendations for enhancing safety in the area.
Hon. Atu has a longstanding commitment to community service, including extending electricity to underserved areas of Ugwuaji, offering scholarships to underprivileged students at both secondary and university levels, and financing the grading of neglected community roads since 2012. In 2021, he was bestowed with the chieftaincy title of Aharu-ama of Nkanuland, a testament to his dedication to community development. A devoted church leader, he continues to inspire and support many on their spiritual journeys.
Since being sworn in to the 10th National Assembly on June 13, 2023, Hon. Atu has demonstrated proactive leadership. He was the first among 286 first-time lawmakers to table a motion addressing gully erosion along the New Market/Ugwuonyema/9th Mile Road, which garnered federal attention. To date, he has presented 16 bills and installed solar street lights in 19 locations within his constituency. Road construction projects in Obeagu and Ugwuaji communities are currently underway, alongside the grading of several rural and semi-urban roads over the past 18 months. Through the Chimaobi Sam Atu Foundation, he has funded WAEC fees for over 250 SS3 students from 28 public schools and awarded full university scholarships to deserving beneficiaries.
A strong advocate for youth empowerment, Hon. Atu has organised training programmes that have benefited numerous young individuals. In 2023, he facilitated training for 159 school leavers and SS3 students in chemical product production and marketing, while in 2024, 100 graduates received training in solar energy installations and marketing. He also sponsored the Coal City Under-15 tournament, showcasing local talents, which resulted in the Enugu team representing the state at national and continental levels, achieving third place in the Continental School Under-15 tournament in Togo.
Currently, Hon. Atu serves as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Parliamentary Friendship Group between Nigeria and the Republic of Greece. He is also a member of multiple committees, including Appropriation, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Communications, Local Content, Renewable Energy, Rural Development, Nutrition, Science Engineering, and Traditional Institutions. He is happily married to Lolo Ugoeze Ezinne Maureen Atu, and their union is blessed with children.
Let us join the whole world in celebrating this exceptional legislative leader, whose unwavering dedication to education, youth empowerment, and infrastructural development has profoundly transformed his community. His resolute efforts continue to inspire positive change and progress.
